Another warm, sunny day with high overnight freezing levels means it's important to start (and finish) your day early. Look for objectives on north facing terrain without cornices overhead, and plan your egress route carefully.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.
Weather Forecast
A ridge of high pressure, with sunny skies and high freezing levels is dominating the weather pattern this week.
Thursday night - Clear / light to moderate northeast wind / alpine low temperature near 1 / freezing level 2500 m
Friday - Sunny / light northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 7 / freezing level 3000 mÂ
Saturday - Sunny / light west wind / alpine high temperature near 8 / freezing level 3000 mÂ
Sunday - Mainly sunny with increasing cloud in the afternoon / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near 7 / freezing level 3000 m
Avalanche Summary
There have been several recent reports of wet loose avalanches up to size 2 on south aspects.
Looking forward, wet loose avalanches are expected on solar aspects with sunny weather and high freezing levels. Cornice failures will also become more likely. Wind slabs may still be possible to trigger in on north aspects in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
The snow surface is likely a crust in most areas. Sunshine and rising freezing levels are expected to quickly soften the surface crust during the day. Dry snow may still be found on high elevation north aspects.The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.
Terrain and Travel
- The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Problems
Loose Wet
Surface snow will lose cohesion and become unstable with sun and warm temperatures.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are at their largest at this time of year, and become weaker with warm temperatures and solar radiation.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 16th, 2021 4:00PM
